Officials call for Sudan, South Sudan negotiations

South Sudan’s Vice President Riek Machar is expected to arrive in Khartoum on Saturday to head a high-profile delegation with Sudanese officials. Discussions will include issues surrounding Sudanese government's decision to suspend oil transfer to South Sudan. South Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Grace Daterio has said that the two countries will maintain their diplomatic relations despite recent developments. US Ambassador to Juba has revealed that a committee will be formed consisting of a number of experts from various countries, including Britain, to help resolve issues between Sudan and South Sudan. The US diplomat expressed her hope that the two will resume talks during the coming period to resolve pending issues, stressing that such an approach will be supported by the international community. China's ambassador to Juba also stressed the need to conduct negotiations between Khartoum and Juba during the coming period to achieve progress in this regard. He also discussed forming a committee to negotiate with the Sudanese government.